☝️ Key Points
- The lyrics of the song 'Nessun Dorma' express the determination of Prince Calaf to solve the puzzle of Princess Turandot and win her love.
- The princess is portrayed as distant and cold, with the hope of love and happiness symbolized by the 'trembling stars'.
- Prince Calaf plans to keep his secret, his name, and only reveal it to the princess once he has won her love.
- The prince's hope is expressed through the belief that his kiss will break the silence and unite him with the princess.
- With confidence and determination, the prince declares that at dawn he will triumph and win the heart of the princess.
Interpretation
"Nessun dorma" is a world-famous aria from the opera Turandot by Giacomo Puccini, made famous by
Luciano Pavarotti. The title literally means "Let no one sleep" and is an expression of the protagonist Prince Calaf's determination to solve the riddle of Princess Turandot in order to win her love.
The lines "Tu pure, o Principessa, Nella tua fredda stanza, Guardi le stelle che tremano D'amore e di speranza" describe the princess in her cold room, looking at the trembling stars of love and hope. This shows the distance and coldness surrounding the princess, and the unrequited love the prince feels for her.
"Ma il mio mistero è chiuso in me, Il nome mio nessun saprà. No, no, sulla tua bocca lo dirò quando la luce splenderà." This part describes the prince's determination to keep his secret, his name, until he has won the princess's love. He plans to reveal it when the light shines.
The lines "Ed il mio bacio scioglierà Il silenzio che ti fa mia" express the hope that his kiss will break the silence and unite him with the princess.
The words "Dilegua, o notte! Tramontate, stelle! All'alba vincerò!" literally mean "Disappear, oh night! Set, stars! At dawn, I will conquer!". This shows the prince's unwavering determination and confidence that he will triumph at dawn and win the princess's heart."